Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition

114 Maslow’s Hammer

The tendency to approach problems based on the tools and expertise at hand.

Maslow’s hammer is commonly known by the phrase “If the only tool you have is a hammer, [it is tempting] to treat everything as if it were a nail”.¹

There are two related but distinct meanings offered by the principle. First, the literal tools at our disposal bias how we approach problem solving. If the only tool available is a hammer, the bias will be to bang on things; whereas if the only tool is a screwdriver, the bias will be to twist and pry things. Second, the metaphorical tools at our disposal—e.g., area of expertise, team members, resources, etc.—also bias how we approach problem solving. If the goal is to transport people across a river, ...